Our take
What does Shalimar Philtre de Parfum smell like?
Guerlain introduced Shalimar Philtre de Parfum in August 2020. House perfumer Thierry Wasser touched up the 1925 classic without spoiling it. The opening keeps the bergamot and adds a sharper lemon and a light lavender. Iris then takes up more room than it ever had in the original. It gives the heart a powdery, almost make-up feel that jasmine and rose soften further. The base holds on to vanilla and tolu balsam. The leather and smoke that define the historic Shalimar, though, drop into the background. Patchouli puts a little earth under the sugar. The critic Persolaise likened it to Shalimar Eau Légère, and the comparison is fair. This is a brighter and tamer reading. If you find the original too animalic, it is a friendly way in. Loyal fans of the 1925 version may find it too polite.
When to wear it
It works at the office and at night from autumn to spring. Two sprays on the neck are enough, as the iris and vanilla linger for hours.
It belongs to the Oriental / Amber family. Shalimar Philtre de Parfum is one of 89 creations by Guerlain in our encyclopedia.
